Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers in Kwara, Foil Bandit Attack in Katsina
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes in Kwara and Katsina states, with the arrest of two suspected kidnappers and the recovery of arms in Kwara, as well as the foiling of a bandit attack in Katsina.
In Kwara State, operatives of the state police command arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms, ammunition and other incriminating items during an intelligence-led operation in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area.
Security sources said the operation was conducted on June 5 at about 9:30 a.m. following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating within the area.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Okuta reportedly led a combined team of police operatives and local vigilantes to a suspected criminal hideout located behind Baptist Grammar School, Okuta, where two suspects identified as Bello Muhammad, 28, and Abubakar Mohammed, 25, were arrested.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three loaded magazines containing 65 rounds of live ammunition, two cutlasses, firearm maintenance equipment, suspected criminal charms and two tyre tubes allegedly used to restrain kidnapping victims.
According to the sources, the suspects confessed during interrogation to being members of a criminal gang allegedly led by one Sodiq, believed to be involved in kidnapping activities within Okuta and surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, police operatives successfully repelled a bandit attack on Mazare Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area following a rapid response to a distress call.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on June 6 at about 10:07 p.m. when armed bandits reportedly invaded the community in large numbers.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sabuwa immediately mobilised an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol team to the area, where operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel.
The sustained offensive forced the bandits to retreat into surrounding bushes, while security personnel subsequently secured the area and launched follow-up operations to track the fleeing suspects.
However, during a search of the community, operatives discovered that the attackers had shot and injured a 13-year-old resident, Musa Yahaya. The victim was promptly evacuated to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Police authorities said coordinated operations remain underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks operating in both states.
The commands reaffirmed their commitment to intelligence-driven policing and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance public safety and security.
By TimesNG